Flemington Race 7: Rod Johnson Handicap 1400m

10/06/2016: Jimando put together 3 nice performances at Group and Listed level prior to dropping back to this class and winning this track and distance last time out. This gelding should race up right over the speed and is a 4 time winner this distance. No reason why he cannot complete back to back wins here in this. She's Clean is a Group winning mare and could be the big improver here at nice odds. Has been placed 3 times here in 5 runs and chances enhanced if ground remains soft. Whistle Baby need to break a losing sequence of 8 runs and only went under by the barest of margins last time this track over 1200. Goes much better over the 1400m of this race and doesn't have to improve much on last effort to find winning form again. The New Boy has been beaten less than a length at his last two over this course and is never far away in whatever he contests. Usually finds one better on the day but has won 2 in his last 6 and is a must for Exotic bettors. Giving Del Prado one last chance here who has been well below par in each of his 3 runs back. Has to overcome wide draw but his best form can puts him right in the picture here.

There's no doubt The New Boy will lead (he often does at this track) and from there the on pacers Heart Testa, Jimando and Guest Of Honor will slot in behind the usually bold front runner. For mine this causes problems for the mid fielders. One, The New Boy might take it easy making it tougher for the mid fielders and back markers to run on however conversely he might run the field off their legs. I would be very wary of backing the mid fielders and back markers if the odds are not at least good each way odds.

CHANCES

Rod Johnson Handicap 1400m

Order

Margin

Jimando

PLUS: Last start winner over this course, 4 time winner this distance, 3 time winner this track.

A

0

MINUS: Nil.

She's Clean

PLUS: Winner Grp 3 level, goes well this distance, from top stable.

B

1

MINUS: Drawn very wide.

Whistle Baby

PLUS: Drops in grade, goes well at track, goes well at distance.

C

1.25

MINUS: Beaten last 8 runs.

The New Boy

PLUS: Beaten less than 1 length last 2 this course, goes well this distance.